WEST VIRGINIA The Mountain State, has a unique history forged during the tumultuous era of the American Civil War when it separated from Virginia. However, the roots of its individual countries often stretch back further into the colonial period. Hampshire County holds the distinction of being the oldest county in West Virginia, predating the state itself by over a century.
Hampshire County: Unveiling the Roots of West Virginia's Oldest County
This article explores the founding and history of Hampshire County, a cornerstone of West Virginia's heritage.
A Colonial Beginning: Formed Under Virginia (1754)
Hampshire County's story begins long before West Virginia became a state in 1863. On May 1, 1754, the Virginia General Assembly officially created Hampshire County, carving it out from parts of Frederick and Augusta counties, which were then part of the vast Colony of Virginia (Source: West Virginia Division of Culture and History, historical records of Hampshire County). This establishment began organized county government in the region that would eventually become West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle.
Naming the County: A Nod to England
The county received its name from across the Atlantic. Hampshire County was named in honor of Hampshire County (or Hampshire) in England, a region reportedly known for its fine breed of hogs (Source: Histories of West Virginia counties, etymological sources). This naming convention was standard during the colonial era.
Romney: County Seat and West Virginia's Oldest Town
Hampshire County is home to another significant historical "first" for West Virginia. Its county seat, Romney, established in 1762, is the oldest incorporated town in West Virginia (Source: City of Romney historical records, West Virginia Encyclopedia). The presence of the state's oldest city within its oldest county underscores the region's deep historical roots.
Geographic Location
Hampshire County is situated in a scenic part of West Virginia. It lies within the state's Eastern Panhandle and Potomac Highlands regions, known for their mountainous terrain and river valleys.
A "Mother County": Giving Rise to Others
Hampshire County's original boundaries were vast. Over time, as the population grew and settlement expanded, new counties were formed from its territory.
- Hardy County was created from the southern portion of Hampshire County in 1786.
- Mineral County was formed from the western section of Hampshire County in 1866, shortly after West Virginia achieved statehood.
This history highlights Hampshire County's foundational "mother county" role in developing West Virginia's administrative map.
Hampshire County is West Virginia's oldest county, a living link to the region's pre-statehood past and its origins as part of colonial Virginia. Formed in 1754, its history is intertwined with early settlement patterns, the development of the Eastern Panhandle, and the establishment of West Virginia's oldest town, Romney. Exploring Hampshire County offers a journey back in time, revealing the deep roots and enduring legacy of the Mountain State.
Sources:
- West Virginia Division of Culture and History
- Hampshire County Historical Society
- West Virginia Encyclopedia
- Historical records of colonial Virginia
- City of Romney historical records
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